Median Income
$154,583
106% higher than US avg
Home Value
$508,300
80% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
79.4%
136% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$2,941
153% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
24.9%
22% lower than US avg
Unemployment
8.1%
125% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Briar Chapel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,084
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density2,911/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$154,583
Per Capita$66,204
Unemployment8.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,919M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$508,300
Rent$2,941
Ownership94.2%
Zillow$422,372
Housing Units1,918
Rent Burden41.2%
Health
Obesity24.9%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking7.0%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease3.9%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
Rain43.6 in/yr
Elevation516 ft (157 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+79.4%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+42.1%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 43% / D 56%
Commute27 min
Broadband97.4%
EV Stations10
Libraries3
Is Briar Chapel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Briar Chapel receives an overall livability score of 4.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Briar Chapel stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Briar Chapel is $154,583, which is significantly higher than the national average / 106% above $75,149. This places Briar Chapel among higher-income communities. At 8.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Briar Chapel is $508,300, making it a premium housing market at 80% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,941 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Briar Chapel is a highly educated community / 79.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Briar Chapel enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches.
Briar Chapel has a population of 6,084 with a density of 2,911 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (76.1%), with 4.5% Hispanic, 4.2% Black, 7.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91% of residents, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 7.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
6,084
Total Population
2023 Census
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Briar Chapel vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.0%
16% above US avg
Spanish
6.6%
51% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Briar Chapel vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Briar Chapel is $154,583, which is 106% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $66,204 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,182 business establishments, including 119 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 36.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Briar Chapel vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $154,583 |
| 106% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $66,204 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $125,177 |
| Gini Index | 0.496 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.1% |
| 125% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,182 |
| County GDP | $2,919M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 119 |
| Healthcare | 163 |
| Retail | 189 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,662 |
| 62% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 57.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 36.5% |
The median home value in Briar Chapel is $508,300, 80% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $422,372, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $612,500 with homes selling in an average of 156 days. Homes sell for 98.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $2,941 (153% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,918 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2015. The average annual property tax is $5,662 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 41.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $508,300 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $422,372 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $612,500 |
| Median List Price | $659,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $612,500 |
| Median List Price | $659,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $254 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Days on Market | 156 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.3% |
| Price Drops | 27.8% |
| Inventory | 18 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,941 |
| 153% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,918 |
| Median Year Built | 2015 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,662 |
| 62% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.11% |
In Briar Chapel, 24.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 3.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.5% have high blood pressure. 7.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 12.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 13.2% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,067. The dentist ratio is 1:1,997. 72.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Briar Chapel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 24.9% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.7% |
| Heart Disease | 3.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.5% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 3.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 1.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 7.0% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 12.9% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 13.2% |
| Physical Distress | 8.0% |
| Short Sleep | 26.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,067 |
| Dentists | 1:1,997 |
| Mental Health | 1:559 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.1% |
| Dental Visits | 77.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,552/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 163 |
Briar Chapel enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches. The area receives 2.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 516 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.6°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 516 ft (157 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,911/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8242°N, 79.1168°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Chatham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.6"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.41"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 26, 2019.
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
68 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
8 km E of Archdale, North Carolina |
M2.5 |
69 km |
| Jul 29, 2012 |
7 km NNW of Wallace, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
17 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
221 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
279 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 2 |
213 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 1 |
251 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
258 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
250 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
259 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
228 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
160 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
202 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
204 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
165 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
219 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
267 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
216 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
299 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 692 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 27, 1988 |
EF4 |
34 km |
4 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
6 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 23, 1992 |
EF3 |
29 km |
2 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Mar 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Oct 7, 1965 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1953 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2019 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
99 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2010 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2009 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2008 |
EF2 |
95 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COUNTY LINE ROAD FIRE (1,704 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
COUNTY LINE ROAD FIRE |
1,704 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
OVERHILLS |
1,436 |
67 km |
| 2020 |
UWH NARROWS DAM RX |
1,222 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
STRAUSBURG ROAD |
1,219 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,090 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
HIGHWAY 1 |
766 |
68 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
748 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
ROBEDO SOUTH RX |
727 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
RIFLE RANGE FIRE |
698 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
686 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
579 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
565 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
552 |
98 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Briar Chapel has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 42°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Briar Chapel. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$236 ($141-$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189-$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94-$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754-$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141-$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377-$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94-$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57-$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141-$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772-$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377-$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187-$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472-$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715-$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886-$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754-$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189-$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943-$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71-$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83-$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36-$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36-$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83-$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77-$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75-$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132-$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28-$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566-$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472-$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189-$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377-$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715-$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141-$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94-$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $985 |
| Toddler | $790 |
| Preschool | $716 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $704 |
| Toddler | $649 |
| Preschool | $608 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Briar Chapel
What is the population of Briar Chapel?
Briar Chapel has a population of 6,084 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 2,911 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Briar Chapel expensive to live in?
Briar Chapel is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $154,583, 106% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $508,300 (80% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,941 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Briar Chapel?
Briar Chapel enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.6 inches, with 2.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Briar Chapel?
The job market in Briar Chapel faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $998. There are 2,182 business establishments in the area, including 119 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 36.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Briar Chapel?
The median home value in Briar Chapel is $508,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $422,372. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $612,500, with homes typically selling within 156 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,941. Fair market rent is $981 for a 1-bedroom and $1,161 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 94.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,662.
How are the schools in Briar Chapel?
Schools in Briar Chapel score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 79.4% of adults in Briar Chapel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 42.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Briar Chapel?
The obesity rate in Briar Chapel is 24.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 7.0% of adults are smokers. 12.9% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 72.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,067.
What is transportation like in Briar Chapel?
The average commute in Briar Chapel is 27 minutes. 57.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 36.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Briar Chapel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Briar Chapel is 76.1% White, 4.2% Black or African American, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian. 91% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 7.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.